Agenda for Water Sector Strategy for North China :
Volume 2. Main Report

The acute water shortage, and pollution
problems in North China have been exacerbated by the
continued population growth, and the accelerated industrial
expansion over the past half-century, conducive to
increasingly severe freshwater shortages, and catastrophic
consequences for the future. Significant commitments need to
be made to rapidly implement strategies to bring water
resource utilization back into a sustainable balance. The
report reviews past and present situations, focusing on the
future impacts of various social, and economic growth
scenarios within the context of water management, where
preconditions for its success are the combined requirements
of complementary pricing, management, and regulatory reforms
in water resources (including groundwater, water pollution,
and wastewater reuse). Findings suggest a water demand
management as proposed in the action plan - with further
water price increases, and improving irrigation efficiency.
Agricultural productivity depends on irrigation efficiency,
thus water management calls for water-savings measures,
low-yield land improvement, and, large-scale systems
rehabilitation. Structural water pollution remedy measures,
should focus on industrial wastewater pretreatment, and
internal reuse of processed water, pollution prevention
programs, and combined industrial, and municipal treatment
plants, to include as well artificial groundwater recharge
(wastewaters and floodwaters). Institutional aspects will
require further strengthening, regarding water resource
allocation, protection, and financing.